Close Study of Literature
ES12-LS is worth about 20 marks out of 100 in recent HSC English Standard papers. Practise 16 exam-style questions (short answer) with instant marking and a worked solution for every question.
START PRACTISINGTopic notes
Close study of literature (Paper 2 Section II) — what the focus area asks, the 2027 prescribed texts, distinctive qualities, context, conventions and interpretations, essay structure and a worked paragraph on Much Ado About Nothing.
- 1What you need to know
- 2Distinctive qualities
- 3Context
- 4Conventions
- 5Different interpretations
- 6Building the essay
- 7Worked example: a body paragraph
- 8Timing in the exam
- 9Common mistakes
- 10Exam tips
- 11Links to other topics
Example questions
Example 1 · 20 marks · short answer
William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
How does Shakespeare use deception to explore ideas about love and honour in Much Ado About Nothing?
In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text. (20 marks)
Example 2 · 20 marks · short answer
William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing
‘Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy with a dark heart.’
To what extent does this view reflect your understanding of the play?
In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text. (20 marks)
Answers and worked solutions appear when you practise these questions.